Jerome M. Raftis Tribute

Surrounded by his loved ones, Jerry passed peacefully away at Sacred Heart Medical Center on Monday, December 1, 2008 from respiratory failure.  He was born on February 13, 1933 in Chewelah, WA to May and Francis “Darby” Raftis.  Jerry attended Gonzaga Prep and EWU.  He married Carolyn Strawick in 1958 and together they had five children, whom they raised in Spokane and Loon Lake.  Though they divorced, Jerry and Carolyn remained close and committed to raising their children, spending most all life’s celebrations at one or the others’ house.  Jerry was a U.S. Navy veteran and an entrepreneur, working in printing sales and car sales, eventually being the sole proprietor of Raftis Business Forms, and more recently, Loon Lake Motors; both businesses still in the family.  He worked tirelessly to provide for his large family, and right up to his death, contributed to the Catholic church and many non-profit agencies to help those in need. 

 

His pride and joy was his home on Loon Lake, where his kids and grandchildren spent many a summer (and winter!) day frolicking and playing in the gorgeous surroundings and warm home he created.  Jerry loved his kids and grandkids more than anything, and loved being surrounded by screaming children, a houseful of guests, and tents full of people at his home on the lake.  He was happiest sitting on his deck, listening to the Mariners on his headphones, and enjoying the activity, sights and sounds of the “lake life”.  He enjoyed being the captain of many sunset cruises on the “Loon Pontoon” boat, while everyone partied around him.  He loved much and lived life to the fullest. He will be remembered for lying on the dock for hours in the sun, swimming to the ski dock time and again, and never getting a sunburn!  We’ll remember his incredible will to live and we forgive his body for not keeping up.

 

Jerry is preceded in death by his mother and father, May and Darby, and his sister Joan DeGrazia.  He is survived by his five children, Mike Raftis (wife Julie), Julie (Tom) Litzenberger, Trisha (Greg) Schwartz, Megan (DJ) Hill, and Kyle (Rozy) Raftis, all of Spokane  and Loon Lake area, his grandchildren:  Rochelle, Laura and Corey Raftis, Felicia, Dan, Mari, Kyle and Brett Litzenberger, Taylor and Nick Schwartz, Jack and Sean Hill, and Anthony and Brandt Raftis, his brother Don (Darlene) Raftis, ex-wife Carolyn Raftis (Andy Nicoll), and  his loyal dog Bull, along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends.

 

The family would like to thank the caregivers of Sacred Heart 7 North, Dr. Sam Joseph, Dr. Ken Cathcart and the doctors and practitioners of Spokane Respiratory Consultants, especially Dr. Greg Loewen and Joel Randall. 

 

Funeral mass was held Thursday, December 4, 2008 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, presided by Father Sean Raftis, at 1:00 pm.  Thank you Father Sean. It was a beautiful service. Thanks Uncle Don for the wonderful eulogy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Gonzaga Preparatory School or Women & Children’s Free Restaurant in Jerry Raftis’ name.